I do remember them. Then maybe she stopped herself. I waited. Maybe nothing. I nodded.
She got into her car. I watched her drive away. That was the last time I expected to see her. After that night, I focused on my work. I moved into a new apartment.
I started going out with friends again. I stopped checking my phone every few minutes. Life became ordinary. And then about a month later, something happened that I never expected. I met someone.
Her name was Rachel. We didn't meet through friends or some dramatic coincidence. She worked in an office near mine, and we started talking after seeing each other several times at the same coffee shop. At first, it was casual. Then, we had dinner, then another.
For the first time in months, I found myself looking forward to someone's messages. I didn't tell Rachel everything about Marie immediately. There was no reason to. I wanted to build something without dragging my past into it. And slowly, I started feeling happy again.
I thought Marie had finally moved on, too. I was wrong because one evening, while Rachel and I were having dinner, I looked toward the entrance of the restaurant, and there she was, Marie. She had seen us. and the look on her face told me immediately that this wasn't going to be the last time. Marie stood near the entrance, staring at us.
Rachel noticed her a few seconds later. Do you know her? I looked at Marie. Yes. Rachel looked at me.
Who is she? My ex- fiance. Marie heard that. Her expression changed. She looked at Rachel, then back at me.
I stood up. Marie, she didn't move. I didn't know you would be here. I could say the same. Rachel looked uncomfortable.
I think I'm going to wait outside. You don't have to. It's okay. She picked up her bag and walked toward the exit. Marie watched her leave.
Then she looked at me. You're dating her? Yes. For how long? I stared at her.
That's none of your business. She looked hurt. I just wanted to know. You saw me. Now you know.
She swallowed. She's pretty. I didn't answer. Do you love her? That's also none of your business.
Marie looked down. I thought you were still alone. I wasn't waiting for you. She stood there for another moment. Can we talk?
Not tonight. She nodded and walked away. I thought that would be the end of it. It wasn't. A few days later, Rachel told me she had seen Marie outside the coffee shop near my office.
I frowned. Are you sure? Yes. What did she do? Nothing.
She just looked at me. I called Marie. Why were you near my office? I had something to do nearby. What?
Why does it matter? Because Rachel saw you. There was silence. I wasn't following her. I didn't say you were.
But that's what you think. Then don't give me a reason to think it. She hung up. For the next week, nothing happened. Then Rachel noticed Marie again.